MEDIA RELEASE__Details for May 2026 programs at Bluffton Public Libray, 145 S. Main St. See the library calendar HERE.

Events and Programs 

Prize Donation Drive - We need your help! In preparation for 2026 Summer Read Unearth a Story, the library is seeking donations of items suitable for prizes for all ages. The library has an Amazon Wish List set up for this purpose. Monetary donations are also accepted (cash, check, or Paypal.) Provide your contact info when you donate, to be recognized on our Donor Thanks flyer that runs through the summer! Pick up a donation request letter from the library for more information. Deadline is May 8. All donations are tax deductible. 

Noon & 2:00 Book Discussions (R) will meet Wed., May 6 at Noon and at 2:00 p.m. to discuss Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. On Wed., June 3, at Noon and at 2:00 p.m., the groups will discuss Remember: the science of memory and the art of forgetting by Lisa Genova. Stop by the library front desk to register for your preferred time, check out the book, and to receive email updates! 

Acrylic Art Class: May Flowers (R) ($) will be held Tue., May 12 @ 6:00 p.m. Join Hannah as she guides you through the process of creating a May Flowers painting in acrylic. Cost is $10 (cash only please). Register in person or online as space is limited. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult. 

Mobile Health Clinic: The next Mobile Health Clinic will be held on Thu., May 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All services are provided by individuals with the Ohio Northern University Healthwise program. This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening), and flu vaccines. Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. *Note: Mobile Health Clinic Weather Policy: If the Bluffton or Ada school district has a weather delay or cancellation, Mobile Health Clinic will be cancelled that day. 

Watercolor Workshop: Blue Jay (R)($) will be held Thu., May 14 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Crumrine will teach on the lower level of the library. Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please). Register in person or online as space is limited. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult. 

Medicare 101 (R) will be presented by the Allen County Council on Aging on Tue., May 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Register in person or online. 

Unearth a story: Summer Read is coming! Get ready to have fun reading and listening to great books, and at our library events this summer! We’re working hard to fill the calendar (and the prize shelves!) with something for every age, and will be in schools this month! We are having Early Registration this year - register starting May 11 at the front desk of the library! 

LEGO Library Showcase returns: The library is always excited to be showing local residents’ LEGO builds. The LEGO builds can be sets or your own creations. Register at the Main Desk starting May 11 during our early Summer Read registration. This event is open to ALL ages. The library will display the builds during June and July in conjunction with our 2026 Summer Read program “Unearth a story”. Pick up your builds anytime or August 3-9.  

Attention Homeschoolers! A presentation all about the “Unearth a story” Summer Read is available for all ages and will be held at the library on Friday, May 15 at 12:00 p.m. 

Summer Volunteer Opportunities are coming up for teens ages 13+! Attend one (or both) of our meetings in May to find out all about what’s happening this summer and how you can get involved! There are two meetings in May: Friday, May 15 at 3:15 p.m. and Thursday, May 28 at 12:00 p.m. 

Playgroup is held most Fridays at 10 a.m. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys! 

Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle will be held on Mondays, May 4, 11, and 18 at 6:00 p.m. This is a relaxed, song-circle style music session and anyone is welcome to join or listen in and come and go as you need. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears! 

Open Chess on Tuesdays! The library has an area designated on the Main Floor for open chess from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday the library is open. Bring your own board or use one of the library’s! All ages are welcome! 

Library Puzzle Swap - You’ve completed a puzzle, now what to do? Swap them! Swapped puzzles should be in good condition with all the pieces. For each puzzle you bring, you can take home a new one. For all ages. 

Memorial Day Closure Bluffton Public Library will be closed Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day. Due dates will be adjusted accordingly. 

COMING IN JUNE

Baked Goodies Giveaways will begin in June! Drawings will be held on Fridays and the lucky winners will get to take home yummy baked goodies from local bakeries. Must be registered for Summer Read to be eligible to win! 

Three Sisters Garden & Ancient American Seeds (R) will be held Tue., June 2 @ 6:00 p.m. This program features a short presentation on the indigenous Three Sisters Garden method, as well as info about three of the oldest corn, bean, and squash seed varieties found in America. Participants will go home with a collection of the featured seeds to grow this summer! Seeds donated by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (rareseeds.com). Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult. Register in person or online. 

Erin Henry, author of Reconstructed: A Healing Journey After Breast Cancer, is originally from Bluffton and will be doing a Book Signing on Thu., Jun. 4 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and a Book Talk & Reading (R) on Wed., Jun. 10 @ 2:00 p.m. Please register for the Book Talk & Reading. Books available during these events for $15.99 (Cash or Venmo) 

SERVICES UPDATE

The American Heart Association’s program “Libraries with Heart” offers patrons who visit the Bluffton Public Library a chance to check their blood pressure at the library or borrow kits to monitor their blood pressure at home, just like they can check out a book.  

Download the SEO Libraries app to manage your library account. Library card at your fingertips. Place items on hold. Check due dates. Browse the catalog. Download it at the Apple App Store or on Google Play. 

Don’t forget that the Ohio Digital Library remains open 24/7 from your computer or mobile device!